Edward Robert Hughes (1851-1914), Night with her Train of Stars (1912)
I ended a blog post at the tail end of 2018 with this wish list for 2019:
A Look Ahead – What I Want Most
A happy ending for my son.
A happy ending for my novel.
More novel-writing, more painting, more blogging.
More artful living.
More Love. Lots and lots of love, for all of us.
My wish list for 2020 is much the same. For one year, it appears, was not long enough to fulfill these wishes.
The happy ending I’d hoped for my son seems less likely now than ever. His addiction has once again robbed him of everything he built during four years of sobriety.
The happy ending for my novel is still on hold. We took it off the market while I sent it to a professional editor. And the editing I had begun was postponed when my granddaughter came to live with me.
Instead of more writing, painting, and blogging in 2019, there was less and less. I did not blog or paint or write at all last month.
More artful living? More love for all of us?
Not so much last year.
The one gift 2019 gave me (which is huge and fills my heart!) is hope for my granddaughter when she came to live with me. Hope that she will remain in my care–happy and safe, healthy and strong, responsibly cared for and dearly cherished as she grows into a young woman.
May this blog post be the beginning of a bright new year for all of us.
Deborah J. Brasket 
I wish that everything you desire will come to you!
Thank you Linda!
I hope for you and for your granddaughter and for your son that he finds a way out.
Thank you for that. I do too.
I’m sorry your son is mired in his addiction and that your writing has slowed. Maybe loving your granddaughter is the most important thing to do and enough if you can help her learn the safety of love. Wishes for more love and healing in 2020 Deborah.
It definitely is the most important thing right now. The rest will come too I am hopeful. Thank you for your sweet wishes.
Good perspective.
every hope I have for myself …I also have for you Deborah …. and everyone else .. that we experience a spirit of love, power, and transcendence in each moment.
Thank you for that lovely thought, Anthony. I couldn’t wish for anything more myself, and wishing the same for you.
Oh, I’m sorry about your son But like you, have hope for your granddaughter. The love you have will stand her in good stead. Life is outside with its twists and turns. I’m hoping you have a few pleasant ones in 2020.
Yes, I do have strong hopes for her. And while at times I feel I have lost hope for my son, it’s glimmer remains. Anything is possible with Love. Thank you so much for your thoughts and wishes.
Yes, a bright new year for all, especially you! Many challenges in 2019, which you’ve faced with strength and honor. May your bright spots, your granddaughter and book, shine bright in 2020.
Thank you so much, Dianne! You’ve been a great support in both those endeavors! Wishing you a bright 2020 too.
Thank you, Deborah, for sharing your experience. I am sorry to hear that your intentions did not come to fruition. I hear your gratitude concerning your granddaughter’s safety.
2019 brought a similar pruning of joys in my life to care for my sister. As I struggled to be easy with the losses, I received the message that I am in a new season of life and it, too, has its gifts.
May the gifts you receive ease the letting go of what you had envisioned.
I really appreciate that, Catherine. I’m sorry for your losses too but happy to know that it comes with gifts as well. May your 2020 be filled with joy.
My best to you, dear Deborah.
May you and the child continue
to be well. You have that and
can be grateful for it.
Thank you so much, Susan!
“My wish list for 2020 is much the same. For one year, it appears, was not long enough to fulfill these wishes.”
Sometimes wishes are life-long in coming to pass…
peace & strength to you in 2020, Deborah.
(gentlehugtoyoutoo)
Peace and to you, dear friend.
Deborah , Thanks for blogging. More artful living and more love for 2020 rings true for these times of darkness whether personal or global. Sorry about your son’s addiction problems but sounds like your granddaughter balances out some sadness with happiness. Good luck with your novel. And always good to hear from another creative artist. Beth Inglis, valueandhues.org.
Thank you, Beth. I really appreciate that!
Deborah, I wish you would continue to blog, to write and make art.
May all your dreams come true, may all your wishes will be granted. May 2020 will a wonderful year for you and your family.
I am sorry about your son and happy for your granddaughter who fills your heart with joy.
All my very best to you, Deborah!
Thank you Kaya. I got another blog post up today, so I’m off to a good start.
Deborah, your art, thoughts and words are always valued and deeply appreciated here. Your year may have been tinged and tainted with unmet hopes, sadness and disappointment, but also with joy as you welcomed your granddaughter into your home and heart. I can relate to those things because I experienced six months of pulling back from everything due to a health relapse.
But as I slowly pick up the threads of my former life, I firmly believe our thwarted dreams are only put on hold before becoming betterr than we might have envisaged. And above them all, we on!y gain, not lose, in answering the holy call to love. May you have peace and hope as you seek to do the next right thing calling for your attention. Blessings and love. xo 💜
“Answering the holy call to love.” Thank you for sharing your insights and inspiration with me and on your own sight, Joy. Peace and love to you too.
I’m wanting so much for this year to bring you your wishes fulfilled, for each one is special and precious. So much love to your granddaughter, and son, and all of you, as you navigate through these monumental challenges. Your heart speaks through it all. 💗 So much love for life and loving. May you always have strength and support along the way.